How to stop a runny nose

How to stop a runny nose caused by hay fever

How to stop a runny nose

A constantly runny nose due to hay fever can be disruptive and awkward.1,2 The good news is that several treatment options can help.1

Runny nose, also known as rhinorrhoea, is one of the most common and bothersome symptoms of hay fever.1-3 It often occurs alongside other nasal symptoms of hay fever, such as itchy or blocked nose and sneezing.1

Runny nose due to hay fever often accompanies other nasal symptoms.1

Blocked or
congested nose

Nasal itch

Sneezing

Runny nose can be caused by hay fever allergens that are breathed in through the nose, like pollen, mould or pet dander.4 In response to allergens, your body releases histamines, which trigger your nose to produce clear, watery mucus.1,5 The mucus is your body’s way of flushing allergens out of your nasal passages.6

If you have hay fever, a runny nose can start very quickly. It may begin within as little as 3 minutes of being exposed to an allergen.5  When this happens, having an effective treatment on hand can be helpful. If your runny nose is not caused by allergens, speak to your doctor for medical advice.

Tips for preventing runny nose from allergens

If you know what causes your hay fever, minimising exposure to your allergy triggers can help prevent symptoms such as a runny nose.4

Tips for preventing a runny nose during the allergy season6

Close windows

Wear a face mask 
outdoors

Stay inside on 
windy days

Use air conditioning

Shower after 
being outside

Avoid pets if you 
are sensitive

Treatments for runny nose from hay fever

If your runny nose from hay fever is bothering you, nasal spray treatments are available from your local pharmacy:

  • Non-drowsy antihistamine nasal sprays 

    Work by blocking histamines that drive runny nose symptoms.1,5 They can provide quick relief from hay fever symptoms such as runny nose within 15–30 minutesand works faster than antihistamine tablets.8,9

  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays

    May be helpful if you have a persistent runny nose due to hay fever.1 They can take a few days to start working and need to be used regularly to be effective.1

  • Combination nasal spray 

    The combination of an intranasal antihistamine and corticosteroid spray for the treatment of hay fever symptoms, such as runny nose, offer advantages of both medicines in one product. Dymista® is currently the only over-the-counter combination nasal spray in New Zealand. It will work more effectively than intranasal corticosteroids, oral or intranasal antihistamines alone.11

  • Saline nasal sprays 

    Wash away allergens and excess mucus from the nasal passages.1,11 They can be used alone or before using an antihistamine or INCS nasal spray.11 If using a saline irrigation, wait 10 minutes before using your nasal spray.12

If you have tried these things and symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend prescription medicines and refer you to an allergy specialist, if necessary.1

*Based on IQVIA Total Nasal Spray Market for the period MAT 10.2023

Click here to find out more about runny nose treatment.

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References

  1. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Update. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf Accessed: September 2023. 
  2. Bauchau V and Durham SR. Eur Respir J 2004;24:758–64. 
  3. Bousquet J. Allergy 2004;59:373–87. 
  4. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). Available at: ASCIA_PC_FAST_FACTS_Allergic_Rhinitis_2023.pdf (allergy.org.au) Accessed: September 2023. 
  5. Naclerio R. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103(3 Pt 2):S382–5. 
  6. Cleveland Clinic. Runny Nose. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17660-runny-nose Accessed: September 2023. 
  7. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergen Minimisation. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_PC_Allergen_Minimisation_2024.pdf  Accessed: September 2023. 
  8. Ellis AK et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2013;9:16. Study funded by Bayer. 
  9. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunity and Allergy. Allergic rhinitis clinical update. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/allergic-rhinitis-clinical-update Accessed: September 2023. 
  10. Dymista® Allergy Product Information.
  11. Head K et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018;6(6):CD012597. 
  12. National Asthma Council Australia. Intranasal spray technique for people with allergic rhinitis (2017). Available at: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/healthprofessionals/information-paper/intranasal-spray-technique Accessed: September 2023.